Using light to improve commercial value

Abstract

Tailoring the perfect crop with light Crop yields and qualities can be improved by manipulating their photoreceptors with light. Matthew Jones of the UK’s University of Essex reviewed the latest research on plant responses to various wavelengths of light and how photoreceptor pathways can be manipulated to improve commercial crops. Plants contain a variety of photoreceptors, each responding to distinct wavelengths of light to initiate cellular pathways that affect plant growth and development. These pathways can lead to the formation of pigments that improve fruit quality. They also play roles in plant responses to shade, daily and seasonal changes in light, and flowering times. Recent developments in cost-effective LED lights can lead to the optimization of crop growth. However, further research is needed to understand the differences in photoreceptors and their pathways in various plants.